HuntingCountry.com

1.) Swamp Fox - 04/03/2017

I just got word that Dan-o scored a nice Texas Rio, but I don't have any details except that it's Dan-o's usual great pic, a beautiful bird, and it's a scattergun gobbler.

:clap:

So here's the place to post your pics and score your birds for Bluecat, our Official Scorekeeper and Spreadsheet Provider.

I think it's safe to say now: It is ON!

:pop:

[COLOR="#FF0000"]Edit: Here's the short version of how to score your turkey. For the full explanation of contest rules, including how to show your measurements and a few other things, see the link provided.
[/COLOR] [COLOR="#FF0000"](Please show your math when you report the bird.)
[/COLOR]

[QUOTE]
Scoring:
Scores will be determined by spur length x 10 plus beard length x 2. A vertical bow kill earns 10 bonus points. Providing weight is optional and will not count toward your score.

For instance:
Beard is 8.5" = 8.5x2=17 pts.
Spurs 1" & 1-1/8" = 2.125 total spur length x 10 = 21.25 pts.
Vertical Bow Kill Bonus Points: Plus 10

So: 17 + 21.25 = 38.25 pts. total for a gun or crossbow kill. A vertical bow kill would add 10 points for a total score of 48.25.

All kills to be scored to the nearest 1/8th inch.

Only 1 bird may be entered per contestant. If you take a bigger bird after you have entered one already, you may upgrade to the better bird. When you upgrade it will cancel out the previous entry. You must be registered for the contest prior to the date of your kill. You cannot kill a bird and enter it for a teammate.

Each member's bird will count toward the team's total points.

Full guide to scoring and rules: [url]http://forums.huntingcountry.com/forums/showthread.php?2412-2017-Turkey-Contest-Sign-ups&highlight=turkey+contest+scoring[/url][/QUOTE]

2.) bluecat - 04/04/2017

Not to proud of this but just to let you guys know I am a humble guy. Got up Sunday morning. Have not been feeling well and whatever I have keeps lingering. Dragged myself out of bed and went to the flinthills. Getting there was a little dicey as we are having lots of rain. Opened up the hatch. Put on my backpack and proceeded to grab my bow. Ruh Roh. I've never done that before. Couldn't believe how stupid I was.

:bang:

3.) DParker - 04/04/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48141]Not to proud of this but just to let you guys know I am a humble guy. Got up Sunday morning. Have not been feeling well and whatever I have keeps lingering. Dragged myself out of bed and went to the flinthills. Getting there was a little dicey as we are having lots of rain. Opened up the hatch. Put on my backpack and proceeded to grab my bow. Ruh Roh. I've never done that before. Couldn't believe how stupid I was.

:bang:[/QUOTE]

I've read this three times so far, and now I'm feeling stupid...because I can't figure out what [I]you[/I] did that was stupid. Do I need another cup of coffee, or is something missing from the story?

4.) Swamp Fox - 04/04/2017

LOL...Well, at least you had a nice morning out in the rain.

Remember, you need a picture of your bird WITH YOUR WEAPON to rank in the contest...LOL

If your chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... If your two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... If your *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... If your *four*...no... If *amongst* your weapons.... If amongst your weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise.... you'll need to re-register for the contest.

5.) bluecat - 04/04/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48143]LOL...Well, at least you had a nice morning out in the rain.

Remember, you need a picture of your bird WITH YOUR WEAPON to rank in the contest...LOL

[B]If your chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... If your two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... If your *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... If your *four*...no... If *amongst* your weapons.... If amongst your weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise.... you'll need to re-register for the contest.[/B][/QUOTE]

+ 5 Good one Swampy. Yes I forgot my bow. I had the truck already loaded up from the night before and all I had to do was grab my bow that was in the duffle next to the door.

6.) DParker - 04/04/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48145]+ 5 Good one Swampy. Yes I forgot my bow. I had the truck already loaded up from the night before and all I had to do was grab my bow that was in the duffle next to the door.[/QUOTE]

OK, so I was not sufficiently caffeinated to be able to effectively read between the lines.

Remember my story about driving an hour and a half at o'dark thirty the morning of the general deer season opener a few years ago, only to realize that I didn't have my hunting license with me...and then turning around and driving all the way back home, only to THEN realize that I had my license with me the whole time, and that it was just at the bottom of a deep pocket that I hadn't reached all the way to the bottom of?

Then again, maybe pointing out that you're [I]almost[/I] as dumb as me isn't really that much of a help.

7.) bluecat - 04/04/2017

It stings a bit. Had the whole day to mess with those damn things and I blew it.

I do seem to recall that story DP. On a brighter note, the new season of [I]Forged in Fire[/I] will be here soon. I have learned a lot from that show. And although I've never done anything like that, I think I could almost pull off something really crude if I had to just from watching the show.

8.) Swamp Fox - 04/04/2017

I think we might have stumbled on the solution for packing list mishaps.

If, before you leave somewhere, you just ask yourself, "What is my chief weapon, and do I have it with me?" it might make things go a whole lot smoother.

I had another idea related to that a few hours ago, but I've forgotten it....LOL

9.) bluecat - 04/04/2017

I actually have a checklist which I conveniently didn't look at.

10.) Swamp Fox - 04/04/2017

See, that's the beauty of this new system, though. You don't need a checklist. At the last minute, just before you turn the key in the ignition, you mumble to yourself, "What is my chief weapon, and do I have it with me?"

How can you go wrong? LOL

In case this is flying over everyone's head, the beauty of this system is that it works in all aspects of your life. It means that if you ask yourself, you'll never leave your proposal, laptop, complete ratchet set, four-pound hammer or sparkling personality behind.

All you have to do is remember to ask yourself the question...LOL

Memo to self: Call Dr. Phil....

11.) DParker - 04/04/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48154]If, before you leave somewhere, you just ask yourself, "What is my chief weapon, and do I have it with me?" it might make things go a whole lot smoother.[/QUOTE]

Geez...he just told us a story. He wasn't expecting a sort of.....well....you know.

12.) Swamp Fox - 04/04/2017

LOL ....:clap:

13.) bluecat - 04/05/2017

With you guys, I'm always expecting a... well you know.

14.) bow-fishhunter - 04/06/2017

[video]https://www.facebook.com/colton.determan.9/videos/10158429739200585/[/video]

15.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

Here is my tall tale from Friday. Got out to the Flinthills again (this time with bow) around 8:30. Saw a nice Tom poking around about 300 yards away. Was able to slip in and set up without him knowing. I knew by the way he wasn't strutting he would just show up and not give me any warning. I called for several minutes and then stayed silent. Twenty minutes later, I peered through the backdoor of my blind and he was about 25 yards away and walking toward me from the backside. I could not shoot from that side. He must have seen the jake positioned over the laying down hen decoy I had in the front because he walked beside the blind to come out in front. I had the side window open but it was smooshed up against a cedar tree so didn't bother to close it.

As he came around the side, I drew for the four-yard shot. He must have seen my movement through the cedar and immediately jumped and flew away. Pretty disappointing as I did everything right this time, but probably should have waited a split second longer for the draw.

16.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

Let the inquisitions begin...

17.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2017

You were backlit by an open window behind you? Or the open window was on his side?

Turkeys don't see well "though" things that provide another level of depth perception to navigate. That is, they don't have great 3-D vision (none?). This is one reason you can get away with so much in a turkey blind. Movement is a different story, but I've gotten away with so much really radical stuff in a blind that I'm not convinced turkeys do well on that score either, in terms of picking out movement in a fourth (fifth?) dimension.

So, really interested to pick apart how you got busted...Was the bird facing you or did he only have one eye to you? How thick was the cedar? Was there any noise, etc...

I might have more questions later...:wink

I can understand getting busted if I'm backlit more than I'm prepared to say that a turkey can easily see me *through* brush *inside* my blind.

18.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

I couldn't see the bird, but I believe (know) that the movement of me drawing must have caught his eye. He must have been looking right in the window (open but at the 2:00 position) but from the other side of the cedar tree. All the windows behind me were closed. I figured he was looking at the decoy as he was to my right (about 2:00 or so). Still can't believe I blew it. I see these people that have game come in and they don't draw until they get enough play time. I've never been able to pull that off.

Still upset.

19.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48220]

[/QUOTE]

Hilarious.

20.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

The Dark Horse blind is like a big black cave and the bird wouldn't have seen me in there. However, I had the T2 out because it is light and easy to pack. Doesn't provide the same level of darkness.

21.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48221]
Still upset.[/QUOTE]

Freakin' turkeys...LOL

Maybe invest in some of that spray-on hair for the inside of your blind to darken it a bit. If you can put it on your head, it probably won't eat away the material. Probably.

Were you wearing black? I wear a black top, black mask, black cap or beanie, camo under in case I have to go run and gun, and then black again under that in case I get caught in a sweat lodge situation (which can occur fairly early in the morning depending on where I put my blind). I try to scout for shady spots for blind placement, and if I really know the lay of the land I try to know how long and during what times I'll be either shady and cool or roasting in an oven. I realize you might have fewer set-up choices regarding shade.

[url]https://jet.com/product/Jerome-Russell-Spray-On-Hair-Color-Thickener-Jet-Black-35-Oz/cdd7fbf083724c069549ce6e4e520595[/url]

22.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

I wasn't wearing black but I'm going to start doing that. Once you go...never mind.

23.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2017

Black fleece quarter-zip top, black performance long-sleeve base layer, black motorcyclist's balaclava (various weights available), close-fitting black work gloves (Mechanix. etc.), black face paint: highly recommended.

I cut some finger tips off the gloves, and usually only wear on my bow hand. If I don't want to wear a glove on my release hand (which is most of the time) I go over the tops of my fingers, knuckles and back of the hand with black face paint.

24.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

25.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2017

LOL...Now that's a blast from the past.

26.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48227]Black fleece quarter-zip top, black performance long-sleeve base layer, black motorcyclist's balaclava (various weights available), close-fitting black work gloves (Mechanix. etc.), black face paint: highly recommended.

I cut some finger tips off the gloves, and usually only wear on my bow hand. If I don't want to wear a glove on my release hand (which is most of the time) I go over the tops of my fingers, knuckles and back of the hand with black face paint.[/QUOTE]

Good, but I was thinking of some nifty little number with a banded collar and buttons. Leather stretch pants, with no pockets, maybe a silk scarf with a little piping on one side to accent the lines of the high-heeled, laced boots. Black goat skin gloves and a mask with mesh backing and a twill jacket to bring it all together. Smart eh?

27.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2017

I see you've put some real thought into this...LOL

28.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

I want to make a statement.

29.) bluecat - 04/10/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48224]Freakin' turkeys...LOL

If you can put it on your head, it probably won't eat away the material. Probably.[/QUOTE]

LOL!

30.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2017

If you don't want to "hair-brush" the inside of your blind to darken it, maybe wrapping it with some die-cut camo material would help keep some light from getting through. I have some from Mack's Prairie Wings that I use for all sorts of things. It's very light, stuffable/rollable, and pretty inexpensive if I remember. You could probably get a good amount of it in your existing blind bag, and the rest would be light as a feather.

The picture here doesn't do the fabric justice. It's missing the 3-D effects the cuts give when the material is actually used in the field, not just taken out of the package for catalog pictures.

[url]http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-AVE3000S[/url]

31.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

Wow, that's pretty neat. I may be interested.

32.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48235]If you don't want to "hair-brush" the inside of your blind to darken it, maybe wrapping it with some die-cut camo material would help keep some light from getting through. I have some from Mack's Prairie Wings that I use for all sorts of things. It's very light, stuffable/rollable, and pretty inexpensive if I remember. You could probably get a good amount of it in your existing blind bag, and the rest would be light as a feather.

The picture here doesn't do the fabric justice. It's missing the 3-D effects the cuts give when the material is actually used in the field, not just taken out of the package for catalog pictures.

[url]http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-AVE3000S[/url][/QUOTE]

I'm thinking just drape it strategically over the top of the blind.

I cut out the hole in the front of the T2. It is a lot more floppy but I didn't really have a choice. I bought some arrows that I'm leaving uncut (32") and bought some Magnus Bullheads. You need the extra length so the bullhead is out beyond the riser for safety. It's time to do some lopping. I think with the addition of that fabric I could be pretty well concealed in there with a nice big hole out the front. Heading to Nebraska on Thursday.

33.) Swamp Fox - 04/11/2017

Glad it might be useful. It's very light so you'll need some clips and/or paracord or something to keep it in place in wind. It's pretty soft, so rustling on the blind fabric is not an issue.

I found tarp clips and tracking down small-diameter bungie was worth my time for building blinds, etc.

[url]http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-CinchTite-Multi-Purpose-Tarp-Clip-4-Pack-2615/203495590[/url]

34.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

Swampy if you cut this material with scissors does it fray? If it is polyester, I would think it would be fine.

35.) Swamp Fox - 04/11/2017

It doesn't fray. It is actually very tough for how soft and light it is. The only thing is that if you use the holes as attachment points they may eventually tear, but it takes a pretty fair amount of stress and aging for that to happen. If you clamp to the fabric it's even less likely. It really is good stuff.

36.) Swamp Fox - 04/11/2017

Bluecat, I hope you get a gobbler this weekend because this thread needs gobbler pics!---And not just at the eye doctor.

Dan-o, you hear what I'm saying? ---LOL

37.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

I've got a rubber ball and ring type of set up. The ring looks like a shower curtain hanger. You put the ball in the fabric and slip the wring over and pull it down. Can grab anywhere in the fabric. I think I may go ahead and get some of this. Looks fantastic. You could probably make a make-shift blind out of one of these things for deer or turkey using your natural surroundings.

We do need some participation don't we... I'll try and take lots of human interest pic to keep our viewership up. LOL!

38.) Swamp Fox - 04/11/2017

Yes, I usually carry some lashed to my pack for run-and-gun, and sometimes use it in a treestand for background cover.

HS Strut and probably a few other people sew some fiberglass stakes into this fabric for their brush blinds. I'm sure you've seen those. (Also a handy accessory: self-contained, light and simple to deploy.)

39.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

I shot my bullhead last night through a free-swinging burlap sack. The thing is devastating. My second shot broke a blade. I've got two left so didn't want to take a chance on any more going. Talked to Magnus this morning and apparently they had some hardness issues a while back but they are replacing. He thought shooting at a pillow would be better than a burlap sack filled with foam.

40.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

Hey, maybe I found a use for Mike's [I]My Pillow[/I] after all! LOL!

41.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

After all, it has years of research already built into it. Right?

42.) Swamp Fox - 04/11/2017

Mike probably already factored in people shooting his pillow with broadheads...You're not gonna tell me that in two years of development that topic never came up!?!....I'd proceed carefully, and develop a contingency plan in case you shoot it and it just won't die.

43.) bluecat - 04/11/2017

...and he lives in Minnesota too where there are Musky and moose and stuff.

44.) Dan-o - 04/16/2017

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/2D67471B-8AAF-41CC-9516-E26AD09E29AC_zpshreqypkh.jpg.html]

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[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/A1CCD05E-B2C7-42ED-BE0E-9A35187B8F3E_zps9d1oly3s.jpg.html]

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Couple of shots from my turkey Texas Turkey hunt/turned Gulf of Mexico offshore oil rig tuna fishing trip! Killed a nice bird, a small hog, and encountered a big (my first) rattlesnake. Then headed south to jump on a boat and spent three days catching tuna, blue marlin, and a couple other species and wearing my arms out! So much fun!

The bird was 20 poundish, 3/4 inchish spurs, and 9 inchish beard. I'll shoot a bigger one, so I didn't measure this one, plus I was hours from a measuring tape and time wasn't on my side.

Good luck everyone!

45.) Swamp Fox - 04/17/2017

Nice turkey pic!

Something fishy about the whole story, though...

:wave:

46.) bluecat - 04/17/2017

Got back from my trip. Was able to get a jake. Will follow up when the dust settles.

47.) bluecat - 04/18/2017

Beautiful plumage. :wink

48.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2017

Everybody in that pic has the same look on his face.

It's like, "Huh! I could have sworn that was a hen..."

LOL

49.) bluecat - 04/18/2017

We saw a Tom, jake and many hens out in a field. We were able to sneak in and setup on the other side of the tree line. I had just crawled in the blind from setting out the decoys when he was on his way. I had a Magnus Stinger 4-blade and a Magnus Bullhead. I was planning on shooting the Bullhead but my friend Andy did not take the mesh off the window which is attached by velcro. Too late to take it off. Mine was off however. So if the bird came from the left, it was Bullhead, right, Stinger. The jake came from the right, gobbled and swung around the blind where he presented about a 10 yard shot. This time, I aimed above the thighs.

Would have like to see the Bullhead do some decapitation. The spurs and beard were almost non-existent so didn't bother with measurements. Hopefully I can get a Kansas Tom soon.

Scruffy (my left) proceeded to get in a fight with a skunk for the second year in a row. Skunk 1 : Scruffy/pickup/bluecat 0

50.) bluecat - 04/18/2017

The Tom was a nice one but we weren't able to get him away from the hens.

51.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2017

LOL...Well that's weird...I was gonna make a "Scruffy" joke, and lo and behold...

Maybe Scruffy thought he'd found a girlfriend.

52.) DParker - 04/18/2017

Good looking mutts....'cept that one in the middle.

53.) bluecat - 04/18/2017

LOL! You guys, I swear.

Last year, we were hunting out of Barronett blind. The central window is too high so I crouched down, drew bent over and then raised up. My arrow had fallen off the rest but I didn't realize it. Missed a really nice Tom that way. This year, we had an Ameristep blind. The side windows allow you to shoot while sitting. Nice design. Not super high quality but the windows are nice. I mentioned I cut the netting out of my Double Bull T2. I'm going to get the camo covering you mentioned and drape that over the blind. I should be good to go with a really lightweight blind with no window obstructions.

54.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2017

One of my favorite blinds is an Ameristep which I liked so well I bought several, but I kept breaking poles at the hubs. Replacements are expensive, but if anyone's looking and having a hard time locating, I might be able to help. Window set-up on that blind would be nearly perfect if it used magnets instead of loop-and-button.

I might put up a separate thread tonight or tomorrow with some other thoughts about blinds, unless someone beats me to it.

55.) bluecat - 04/18/2017

The loop and button wouldn't be too bad except the loops are small and it takes a contortionist to get the barrel in the loop. Andy sliced his finger pretty good on the hub trying to get it packed up. He's a recurve shooter and this was his shooting hand. After I bandaged him up, he was done for the day. So, what is so difficult about making a good blind? I don't get it.

56.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2017

Official Bowhunting Blinds Chat Thread:

[url]http://forums.huntingcountry.com/forums/showthread.php?2448-Official-Bowhunting-Blinds-Chat-Thread[/url]

57.) Dan-o - 04/19/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48321]

Beautiful plumage. :wink[/QUOTE]

Nice job!! Great lookin pups and a beautiful bird!!

58.) crookedeye - 04/19/2017

nice birds gents..bluecat are you sure that isnt one of those vulture lookin birds?

59.) bluecat - 04/19/2017

[QUOTE=crookedeye;48343]nice birds gents..bluecat are you sure that isnt one of those vulture lookin birds?[/QUOTE]

Damn, I thought it looked kinda funny. We'll see if it tastes worth a darn. It was circling us for a few hours before it descended into the decoys.

60.) Swamp Fox - 04/19/2017

[QUOTE=crookedeye;48343]... vulture lookin birds?[/QUOTE]

LOL...

There's an old joke---more of a story, really---of an obnoxious city slicker who goes south to hunt turkeys (sometimes it's Osceolas in Florida) because he hears how challenging they are. As best I can remember it, he meets the game warden on the road and brags how he didn't find them tough at all. In fact, he'd killed twelve that morning. The warden's head's about to explode, and he asks the guy to open his trunk so he can see the birds. Lo and behold, it's twelve turkey vultures lying in there, stinking up the place.

The guy's still going on about his hunting prowess, and the warden says to him, "Well, you're right. I've never seen anything like this. For you to come all the way down here and kill twelve of them in one day really is special. You're over the limit, but I'm inclined to let you go just because you're such an amazing hunter and an all-around great guy."

"And on top of that," says the warden, taking out his notebook and a pen, "I want you to have a recipe for turkey perlo that's been in my family since before the war."

61.) Dan-o - 04/22/2017

Having a little fun in Oklahoma. Tagged out and now sitting in a blind in Texas.

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/5FB433EC-3FA3-4FDE-BDB6-74835BABA302_zpsryam7cxq.jpg.html]

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Bird 1

18 3 oz
3/4" spurs
9" beard

Bird 2

15 3 oz
7/8 spurs
10" beard

Bird 3
15 7 oz
1 1/8 spurs
9" beard

62.) crookedeye - 04/22/2017

nice birds dano..this isnt going to be like last year when you shot so many birds you ran out of poses..is it..lol.

63.) Swamp Fox - 04/22/2017

:-)

I think he's dealing with that problem by shooting three at a time...LOL

Congrats, Dan-o!

64.) Dan-o - 04/22/2017

Had a great morning in Texas! I think this one is the one for score!

18 pounds 2 ounces
9" beard
1 3/8" spurs

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/F893CC56-3939-4CF3-9001-0D9AB2A85F14_zps9addxw62.jpg.html]

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65.) Swamp Fox - 04/22/2017

Somebody tell Bluecat he can reuse fingers and toes when scoring four birds! LOL

(Or Dan-o could help him out...Just sayin' :wink)

Nice picture, as usual.

Is there some Eastern in the middle bird of the 3-gobbler pic, or is the lighting on the tail feather tips just making them look darker? I'm not up on what to look for with hybrid birds.

Tell us about your hunts, Dan-0...That one in particular if it's multi-subspecies or has hybrids.

66.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

Dan-o scored a whopping 46 points for that gobbler.

I think we need to have a standard score for a jake. My jake didn't really have any appreciable spurs or beard so I'm thinking we just need to come up with a standard score for a jake similar to a doe in the deer contest. What do you think?

67.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48415]
Is there some Eastern in the middle bird of the 3-gobbler pic, or is the lighting on the tail feather tips just making them look darker? I'm not up on what to look for with hybrid birds.

Tell us about your hunts, Dan-0...That one in particular if it's multi-subspecies or has hybrids.[/QUOTE]

Thinking the same thing. I thought Texas was all eastern birds.

68.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2017

Maybe in east Texas...:-)

I think it's probably "mostly" Rios.

But the bird I'm talking about is one of the Okie birds.

69.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

I don't read the narrative, I just look at pictures...

70.) DParker - 04/24/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48424]Thinking the same thing. I thought Texas was all eastern birds.[/QUOTE]

Rio Grande turkeys range over about an order of magnitude more territory in TX than Easterns do...which are confined to...well...the eastern parts of the state. There are also tiny populations of Merriam's and hybridized Merriam's+Rio Grande in the western part of the state. Or at least, so says TPWD: [url]http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/game_management/turkey/pubs/rio_wild_turkey_BM.pdf[/url]

Edit: Damn...beat like Rhonda Rousey.

71.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48418]Dan-o scored a whopping 46 points for that gobbler.

I think we need to have a standard score for a jake. My jake didn't really have any appreciable spurs or beard so I'm thinking we just need to come up with a standard score for a jake similar to a doe in the deer contest. What do you think?[/QUOTE]

My gut tells me not to encourage shooting jakes in the first place, especially with a shotgun or crossbow, and especially in a team contest. Too much opportunity for someone to get his panties in a wad. The guys who hunt where spurs aren't usually much to write home about are already at a disadvantage, and if you shoot a gobbler with a double or triple beard your points are so out of whack compared to any other nice gobbler it's obvious that the scoring system isn't anywhere near perfect for everyone, so I think "low points for jakes" is just life.

If you assign an arbitrary point total for a jake, it's going to be too low for some birds and too high for others, and then nobody's happy. On the other hand, if one shoots a jake and wants to claim the measurement points, that's up to each individual hunter and nobody can bitch about it anymore than they were already inclined to bitch about it anyway.

I know this huge crowd we have here would be able to handle all the drama, but I'm thinking if the Turkey Contest ever goes Big-Time Viral, I'd rather not assign jakes automatic points, especially since we don't even have a minimum beard-length rule. LOL

72.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2017

[QUOTE=DParker;48427]
Edit: Damn...beat like Rhonda Rousey.[/QUOTE]

And this time it wasn't even simultaneous posts...LOL.... You need to tell your coworkers to quit distracting you instead of hang-firing your posts before you can hit "Post Quick Reply."

73.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

I've never killed anything based on what it might net me in the contest(s). I don't kill deer based on that, or turkeys based on that. Can't speak for other people though. If the hunter is willing to use their tag on a doe or a jake, I'm guessing it wasn't the contest that made that decision.

I'm not understanding what you mean by hunters getting their panties in a wad. I think that the participant should get some credit for shooting a jake beyond "thanks for the pics". It is still a feat to call in a jake and kill one with a bow.

Not upset, just curious.

74.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

By the way, my "jake" tag cost me 106.00. :bang: That's more than 10.00 per point...

75.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

Also, remember that I can alter anyone's score. Keep that in mind.

76.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2017

LOL...

I wouldn't disparage a called jake with a bow, but I know a bunch of guys who will pitch a fit if someone shoots a jake under any circumstances. It could be an 8-foot tall jake with mean, pointy teeth and it still wouldn't get any respect. :wink So even if someone thinks like you do, there will be somebody else who will be digging out their voodoo doll.

What I was trying to say is that if someone wants to measure a jake and add it to their team's total, they should be able to, and they are able to under the current rules. But automatic points for jakes opens up a can of worms more than you already have in any contest, but especially in a team contest where we don't even have a minimum beard requirement.

Maybe somebody has a different take on it. That's just my semi-quick assessment.

77.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

Elitist bastards.

78.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

I'm taking my decoys and going home.

79.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2017

LOL...

Snowflake.

:wink

80.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

81.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2017

:fire:...

82.) bluecat - 04/24/2017

Just threw my jake decoy in the trash, thank you very much.

83.) Dan-o - 04/30/2017

Kentucky bird

19#, 1" spurs, 10 1/4" beard. Killed it hunting with my buddy Jude

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/EB2AEC6C-9F5A-4E30-9B18-847F222C1E95_zpsynewpati.jpg.html]

[/URL]

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/1E0659C1-C7EC-4D68-B459-0D24012D14DE_zpsr5eju0ls.jpg.html]

[/URL]

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/22080BB1-0B65-4BCC-AC5D-AF763C19FF4B_zpsnjtmokai.jpg.html]

[/URL]

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/AF2B910A-D9C0-4F1C-A51E-0DA9A9CE06A4_zpsehk6ayzq.jpg.html]

[/URL]

84.) crookedeye - 04/30/2017

now thats what you call a longbeard.. is jude lifting weights now..

85.) crookedeye - 04/30/2017

ask jude if he still has he's step by step deer tanning directions.. you remember when he was tanning that deer hide? he had a day1, day2, day3 step by step procedure.. or the time his tv went out and he shot it with his bow?? i miss that guy , i might have to give him a call..

86.) crookedeye - 04/30/2017

his directions skills are above any i have seen, like that time we were walking back from pizza hut in colorado..we were walking in the wrong direction. to get to the motel...and for some reason jude says ..."i think were going the wrong way" and we were..

i think he has like a 6th sense

87.) crookedeye - 04/30/2017

we need to go on a hunt again.. i need to get kick in the butt to get motivated..i'm thinking a high alivation rocky mountain high hunt..theres nothing better than sucking in the cool rocky mountain air...lol...

88.) Dan-o - 04/30/2017

[QUOTE=crookedeye;48532]we need to go on a hunt again.. i need to get kick in the butt to get motivated..i'm thinking a high alivation rocky mountain high hunt..theres nothing better than sucking in the cool rocky mountain air...lol...[/QUOTE]

Was a great time for sure buddy!! I'd definitely like to share camp again!

89.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

Great job Dan-o!

90.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

Very nice! Excellent pics!

:beer:

91.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

Participants need to post their scores if submitting a bird.

92.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

I probably goofed not posting how to score at the top of this thread. It's in the sign-up thread, but here's the abbreviated version:

[QUOTE]Scoring:
Scores will be determined by spur length x 10 plus beard length x 2. A vertical bow kill earns 10 bonus points. Providing weight is optional and will not count toward your score.

For instance:
Beard is 8.5" = 8.5x2=17 pts.
Spurs 1" & 1-1/8" = 2.125 total spur length x 10 = 21.25 pts.
Vertical Bow Kill Bonus Points: Plus 10

So: 17 + 21.25 = 38.25 pts. total for a gun or crossbow kill. A vertical bow kill would add 10 points for a total score of 48.25.

All kills to be scored to the nearest 1/8th inch.

Only 1 bird may be entered per contestant. If you take a bigger bird after you have entered one already, you may upgrade to the better bird. When you upgrade it will cancel out the previous entry. You must be registered for the contest prior to the date of your kill. You cannot kill a bird and enter it for a teammate.

Each member's bird will count toward the team's total points.
[/QUOTE]

For the full run-down, people can refer here:

[url]http://forums.huntingcountry.com/forums/showthread.php?2412-2017-Turkey-Contest-Sign-ups&highlight=turkey+contest+scoring[/url]

93.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

It's just very difficult keeping up with all the scoring without any undocumented immigrants to help me today.

94.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

Is today another Day Without Immigrants? The last one went over like a lead balloon, but maybe that's what they're going for.

Of course, any genius that organizes something around May Day is kinda asking for it anyhow.

My Che Guevara T-shirt is in the wash, so that's why I'm not out there myself. :re:

95.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

Yes, today is one of those days where the Left is reminding us how awful life would be if we didn't have unlawful people in the United States.

I'm normally running a couple of crews. One crew is doing data entry after the other crew is crunching all the numbers.

If we get caught up, I run them over to my home and have them mow and edge my lawn.

96.) DParker - 05/01/2017

97.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

Those are a r̶i̶o̶t̶ fiesta...

98.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48545]Yes, today is one of those days where the Left is reminding us how awful life would be if we didn't have unlawful people in the United States.

[/QUOTE]

With apologies to Mrs. Dean Wormer: Actions are unlawful, border jumpers are illegal.

:wink

99.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48547]Those are a r̶i̶o̶t̶ fiesta...[/QUOTE]

:applause:

You've come a long way my son.

100.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48548]With apologies to Mrs. Dean Wormer: Actions are unlawful, border jumpers are illegal.

:wink

[/QUOTE]

Is that a peck of Pepe's pickles?

101.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48549]:applause:

You've come a long way my son.[/QUOTE]

I found a generator. I don't know where I put the code I attempted to save...LOL

102.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48550]Is that a peck of Pepe's pickles?[/QUOTE]

Perhaps a previously-parked pickup prepared to be piled with plenty of pecks of Pepe's pickles?

103.) bluecat - 05/01/2017

Preposterous!

104.) DParker - 05/01/2017

Pusillanimous poppycock!

105.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

Prove it, pardner!

106.) DParker - 05/01/2017

[video=youtube;oKwjNzvT4I4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKwjNzvT4I4[/video]

107.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

LOL...

If no one had responded, I was gonna ask "Are you gonna pull them pistols, or whistle Pure Prairie League?"

108.) Swamp Fox - 05/01/2017

Oh, c'mon...

109.) bluecat - 05/02/2017

Oh, P'lease!

110.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

LOL...

Pretty pithy parry...

111.) bluecat - 05/02/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48557]LOL...

If no one had responded, I was gonna ask "Are you gonna pull them pistols, or whistle Pure Prairie League?"

[/QUOTE]

I'm going with 5 points for the context and references. You almost have enough points for the rubber vomit now.

112.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

Perhaps instead of the plastic puke, I'll parlay my points and play for the plush purple panda. Is that permissible?

113.) bluecat - 05/02/2017

It's perfectly plausible. Pace yourself.

114.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

I perceive your plaudits and the plan on this page to be positive.

(i.e., "Sounds good."---LOL)

115.) DParker - 05/02/2017

116.) bluecat - 05/02/2017

:wink

117.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

A plause and praise for Bluecat's use of the psilent "P," and two plaws and a pat on the pate to DP for his post full of double Ps, especially Pearl Pureheart, which has to win some kind of 60's pop culture prize.

:grin:

118.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

A plaws and praise to Bluecat for his use of the psilent P, and two plaws and a pat on the pate for DP's post populated with double Ps, especailly Polly Purebread, for which we must particularly present him with some kind of 60s pop culture prize.

One more:

119.) DParker - 05/02/2017

[QUOTE=bluecat;48568]https://nyoobserver.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/477637513.jpg?w=970&quality=80

:wink[/QUOTE]

OK, I have to admit...that one took me a moment. Nicely done.

120.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

Jen Psaki psignaling with a psense of psuperiority that pshe pwned the Pstate Department press corpse...

121.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

By the way, the putz who couldn't pronounce "corpsman" is getting $400,000 for a one-hour presentation to patsies who are positively panting to pay a passe president that much, and a publisher provides $65 million for him to pen another book no one will peruse, even in paperback.

:tap:

122.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

Jen Psaki and Barack Obama: Proponents of the letter P.

123.) Swamp Fox - 05/02/2017

Has everyone passed out?

My puppies are practically barking after pounding the piney woods in search of a prized turkey for four hours yesterday and three today. I can't hunt on my permit until Thursday, but finding a bird has been perplexing. Also, I may have need of a podiatrist after probing seven or eight stump holes today alone.

124.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

Tarheel, what is a stump hole?, he asked politely.

125.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017

A stump hole is a hole in the ground left when the stump and roots of a tree rot away. Perfidiously, they are usually hidden by leaves or needles so as to provide more excitement when you step in one. You could say they are the potholes of the woods.

I stepped in one once that was as deep as mid-thigh. One minute I was walking along, minding my own business, and in an instant half of me was dropping toward the earth's molten core. I about flew out of that one, 'cause the second thing that goes through your mind when you step in a big hole like that is "Snake!"

There were some doozies yesterday. Lots of calf-deep ones. It's a good thing the human foot can pivot 110 degrees without tearing something 100% of the time or I might still be in there, crawling out. LOL

Stump holes serve a purpose, though. Moonshiners used to hide product in them, and regular customers would take a jar or a jug and leave cash. Thus the term "stump-hole liquor."

So that's your history lesson for the day. Now people can't say they never learn anything on this site....:p: :dig:

126.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48581]A stump hole is a hole in the ground left when the stump and roots of a tree rot away. [B]Perfidiously[/B], they are usually hidden by leaves or needles so as to provide more excitement when you step in one. You could say they are the potholes of the woods.[/QUOTE]

+2,

You are prolific and prodigious.

Okay, I thought maybe it was a rebel expression.

127.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48581]Now people can't say they never learn anything on this site....:p: :dig:[/QUOTE]

I've learned to carry a dictionary and a thesaurus. Btw, what is another term for thesaurus?

128.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017

Hey, Mister, throw me some beads for [B]pothole, purpose and product[/B], too! :p

[url]https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Mister-throw-some-beads/dp/386828608X[/url]

I probably could have done more, but nobody got time for dat...LOL

129.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48585]Hey, Mister, throw me some beads for [B]pothole, purpose and product[/B], too! :p
[/QUOTE]

Nope. I knew all those words.

130.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48585]

[url]https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Mister-throw-some-beads/dp/386828608X[/url]

I probably could have done more, but nobody got time for dat...LOL[/QUOTE]

-2

Haven't you done enough?

131.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017

LOL...

When I start to pile up points that are not positive, but are actually penalties, it's probably proof that I should at least ponder the possibility.

(Psue me for pecking out "probably" two posts in a row...:cool:)

Edit:

On second thought, I overlooked "provide" above, so I'll need to recalculate what I think I'm due. :wink

132.) DParker - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;48581]...'cause the second thing that goes through your mind when you step in a big hole like that is "Snake!"[/QUOTE]

For me it's, "Mole people!" But then again, I watched way too many movies when I was a kid.

133.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017

:-)....

134.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=DParker;48590]For me it's, "Mole people!" But then again, I watched way too many movies when I was a kid.[/QUOTE]

You know, monsters like hot chicks too.

135.) bluecat - 05/03/2017

Slow down buddy, you're all hands.

136.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017

[QUOTE=bow-fishhunter;48184][video]https://www.facebook.com/colton.determan.9/videos/10158429739200585/[/video][/QUOTE]

I forgot to say something about this (three weeks ago!)---

B-Fh, I'm not on Facebook so I couldn't use the link. If you have some pics or a story or a turkey to report, I don't know about it.

137.) Swamp Fox - 05/03/2017

The poor guy just likes hats, and everybody freaks out...

138.) Dan-o - 05/06/2017

Ohio longbeard - 11" beard, 1.25" spurs I'll add em up!

[URL=http://s85.photobucket.com/user/Dan-o_04/media/D2C62304-06A7-4B25-939D-471B2E344890_zpsk69zbc7r.jpg.html]

[/URL]

139.) Swamp Fox - 05/06/2017

The man's a machine!---LOL!

Congrats, Dan-o!. He's beautiful even when wet! :hb:

140.) crookedeye - 05/06/2017

dano you no you cant shoot them when there in a tree..

nice bird again buddy..

141.) bluecat - 05/08/2017

I think it's personal.

142.) Swamp Fox - 05/08/2017

LOL...

143.) Swamp Fox - 06/01/2017

I think it's time to admit the inevitable, and announce that Dan-o and Team 2 have run away with the 2017 Contest. I would have said something earlier since evidently no one was hunting the late season, but I figured a little suspense never hurt anyone...LOL.

144.) bluecat - 06/01/2017

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;49239]I think it's time to admit the inevitable, and announce that Dan-o and Team 2 have run away with the 2017 Contest. I would have said something earlier since evidently no one was hunting the late season, but I figured a little suspense never hurt anyone...LOL.[/QUOTE]

Thought about this, this morning. I should post up the results, or zeros. Went out on Sunday and saw a big Tom in the middle of cornfield. Set up on him. He gobbled to me as he walked away. Thanks for nothing Tom.

145.) Swamp Fox - 06/01/2017

Not sure this is a complete list we can choose from to excuse our failures, but it's a start....LOL

[url]http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/06/01/list-everyone-everything-hillary-clinton-has-blamed-loss-trump[/url]

146.) bluecat - 06/01/2017

I'm going with 'Content farms in Macedonia' for 100 Alex.

147.) Swamp Fox - 06/01/2017

I have too many favorites to pick just one...LOL

148.) DParker - 06/01/2017

[video=youtube;JFvujknrBuE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFvujknrBuE[/video]

149.) Swamp Fox - 06/01/2017

:-).....

150.) bluecat - 06/05/2017

[URL=http://s990.photobucket.com/user/mx482/media/turkey_2017_zpsyugc6pvn.jpg.html]

[/URL]

:-)

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